Spruce Meadows Breeders Showcase

Regional Show • Breed Show • Deadline: November 10, 2017

INTRODUCTION

This show is associated with the ESRPG. This means that horses and characters registered with the ESRPG can collect XP for their entries. If you have not already registered your character or horse, you can do so here. However, registration is not required for participation in this show.

This show is open to horses registered in the HORSE TRACKS HERE, and characters registered in the CHARACTER TRACKS HERE Characters and horses not registered with the ESRPG are permitted to enter to win the prizes offered by this show, but cannot collect XP from the show manager.

SHOW LOCATION

Spruce Meadows | State/Province/Country | October 2017

The show will be held at Canada's top show facility, Spruce Meadows. It's a beautiful fall day in Canada, the cold breeze shuffles the red leaves off the branches. The horse trailers start to arrive before the sunrise, unloading the horses into the guest barns and getting them ready to show. Spectators, breeders, owners and talent scouts get the best spots around the All Alberta and Rocky Mountain Sand Rings to watch the exquisite equines entering the arena.

SHOW UPDATES

Graphic prize ribbons added.

SHOW RULES

You may use any green world and set the season to fall. If you don't know how to do it, check out this tutorial.

Only the characters visible in the picture (and text) can get their XP points for the entry. This means that if your handler is not part of the shot, they cannot claim the points.

Disclaimer: By entering this show, you acknowledge that the winners of this show are determined by the show manager, and based on their own criteria. It will be judged to the best of their ability and based on integrity, however, judging is completely subjective. Results will be up to the judge's preferences and perspective.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

NOTE XP will be awarded only when the following entry requirements are met.

One picture per entry. The picture must be representative of the career of your character. Sims entering as breeders must be shown in the arena with their horse (show setting) or warming up their horse, while sims entering as veterinarians must be performing a vet check or filing paperwork (for example). You are allowed several entries per character if need be. If you are not sure if your idea is realistic for your career, just ask in the chatter. Keep in mind that even though you may have to make a “show” entry, nothing prevents you from making it fun. Mischevious, unruly horses are definitely welcome!

A text of at least a paragraph (5-6 lines) is required as well. You may write about what is happening in your picture or what happened before (for example, you may talk about a difficult trailer ride prior to the show.) We won’t judge your level of English or grammar. Experience points will be awarded only when both entry requirements (text and picture) are met.

This show is based on realism, meaning the handler may not always be visible. However, if they should realistically be in the picture (no 20 feet long reins), you must include them.

TURNOUT RULES

Horses must wear a simple bridle or a halter proper to its breed (i.e: arabians and criollos can be shown in traditional tack). Mane and tail must also be according the breed standards.

If entering movement or free jumping classes, be realistic. Try to use poses that make sense together (handler/horse) and be mindful of the age and breed of your horse. A shetland foal jumping 4’2” might seem fun, but it’s not really possible. You will not be penalized for unrealistic entries, but it may impact the judging and thus your placing.

JUDGING

The judging will start at the end of the show.Regular classes results will be based solely on the votes of the entrants and those of the public.

After the show is closed and classes have been merged or split, members of this forum will be invited to fill out a voting form for each final class, placing each entry from their favorite to their least favorite. I trust everyone will be voting with integrity, basing their votes on the realism, originality and aesthetics of the entries, and not on who the entrant is. Each entry will be given a numerical value based on their placing within each voting sheet (1st place will get 1, 7th place 7, etc...) and at the end of the voting period, the entry with the lowest value will place first in their class.

Additionally, I will be choosing a Grand Champion (or several depending on how many entries have been posted) among the class winners and a judge’s favorite (or several depending on how many entries have been posted) based on the realism, originality and aesthetics of the entries. Both of whom will benefit from extra prizes.

CLASSES

Foal Division

Classes in the foal division are opened to both males and females under the age of 1. Foals may be presented alone or accompanied by their dam. If shown with their mother, the foal must be the focus of the shot and in no way obstructed by the mare.

Caelan rested his back against the temporary stall, his hand lazily stroking the neck of the yearling at his side. He watched tensed horses and handlers pass by him with mild amusement. He, himself, had long stopped being nervous around his designated cases. Some had taken a while, but eventually he’d figured them out and got them to act as he wished.. even Greyjoy.

The young stallion nudged at his shoulder as though he’d known he was being thought about. His little nose was still as warm and smooth as the day he’d been born under Caelan’s rugged fingers, and the Welsh man gave a faint smile at the feel. They had been working together for a little over eight months, the best part of which had been hell, but now, the time when Greyjoy would rip the lunge line or the reins out of his hands seemed so far away, almost as though Past Greyjoy and Present Greyjoy were different horses altogether.

Caelan had always attributed the yearling’s bad behavior and insufferable temperament to his dam, Grise, who had been a thorn in his side from the moment Josie had brought her into the breeding program until about two months previously when she’d declared the mare to be a lost cause and moved her back out to the main stables. It had been then, that he’d finally broken through with the young Mediner. Of course his colleagues had claimed it’d been all coincidental, that his hard work had been finally rewarded, but Caelan had remained unconvinced. To this day, he was still persuaded that Greyjoy could only be handled away from his mother and that for as long as she’d be far, he would be the perfect little show nugget that he had proved to be.

And today, as far away from home as they were, he knew there was no reason to be nervous at all. He sighed with contentment, closing his eyes peacefully as he waited for their turn to enter the nearby show arena.

Show Tier: Local Event: Four and Over Stallion Division Class: Conformation Class 501-A

Marie entered the show arena with Seastone without a hitch. The stallion had been trained well at Wynwood, and with his bombproof personality, it really was no surprise to anyone that he was completely unimpressed by a local breeders' showcase. This wasn't to say that he was uninterested however. Marie lead him to the far side of the arena and the young stallion stood proud and alert, waiting. Marie knew she didn't need to hold the rein tight for Seastone stayed still as a statue, his darting eyes and the subtle pulse in his veins, the only indicators of him being sentient. The judges moved from one horse to the next scribbling notes on their grading sheets, while two professional photographers moved slightly ahead of them taking pictures they hoped to sell later on. Seastone caught them approaching him and he lifted his neck higher."Look at you... Posing like a diva!" Marie thought to herself, repressing a chuckle.

Show Tier: LocalEvent: Four and Over Stallion DivisionClass: Conformation Class 501-A

Lara had spent years carefully breeding and crafting to bring forth a magnificent animal. She poured blood, sweat, and (very often) blood into her work. She would pull all nighters, run without coffee, and take zen classes to learn how to control her temper. Broken fingers, nipped shoulders, and sore legs were often her problem at home at the end of the day.

She relished in her work, taking pride in her accomplishments and watch an animal cultivate and grow up. The certain joy you can only feel when looking at the creation of your hard work.

As Lara panted in the arena, hands on bent knees, she couldn't help but think as she saw the young stallion buck and fart away, Maybe he's just really excited for Halloween.

Show Tier: LocalEvent: Four and Over Stallion DivisionClass: Conformation Class 501-A

Army was not the colt he used to be. Prancing around, nipping strangers, and begging for carrots. He would bound and leap in the pasture with endless energy. Now he was tired, grumpy, and full of attitude. Doing nothing but sleeping all day. Body worn down by countless hours of jumping, galloping, and doing whatever his rider asked of him.

Army lumbered behind Bree, taking his time in entering the arena. He did not pull against the reins with vigor as he used to with Bree. She walked extra slow with stallion, as excited and nervous four year olds rushed passed them to claim a spot in the arena. They plodded slowly in the sand, to the edge of the arena, shunned aside by the young stallions who presented their youthfulness by jumping around and squealing.

Army pricked his ears as he settled down, cocking his knee, before falling asleep in the warm fall sun. Maybe he wasn't as full of energy as he used to be, but Army still had his love for showing.

Show Tier: LocalEvent: Four and Over Mare DivisionClass: Movement Class 402-A

Unlike most red mares, Amelia had a heart of pure gold. She was calm, well mannered and relaxed even in the most heating atmossphere around her. Travelling around the world with her wasn't a problem at all as she somewhat enjoyed being on the road or, as in the case of the Spruce Meadows Breeders Cup where the crew of Tannicht headed to, collecting many miles above the ground, being on a plane for more than 12 hours straight. While some of the other youngsters were quite frustated and didn't enjoy the ride at all, Amy still stayed calm, even though excited of the things ahead of her. The Crew of Tannicht arrieved 3 days earlier before the actual event took place because they all knew they would have to fight the jetlag, being tired and exhausted plus some of the staff wanted to visit some of the local attractions and, of course, enjoy the famous indian summer.Rebecca however stayed at the facility for pretty much the whole time they were spending in Canada, trying to bond with Amelia and discovering her quirks, soon realising that the mare was already used to being in unfamiliar places. Of course Beccy knew that the mare, despite her young age was already somewhat a globetrotter as many competition mounts were even though she only ever were shown in small competitions around Europe. Much unlike the blonde girl, only just being hired as a competition rider by Tannicht recently. She pretty much spent her whole life in Germany and only ever travelled with her family for the holidays but even then only to near places. Being in a plane the first time was extremely scarry and overwhelming and she was sure that only she felt kind of afraid the plane could crash or other horrible things could happen. Those things she always heared on the radio when driving to work or later saw in the news. She really has to get used to being on the road or miles and miles above the ground when she wants to become a top rider as she intended when sending in her application.She sighed as she could her the call for her round, feeling the warm breath of Amelia just centimetres behind her as both of them entered the small enclosed arena for the movement class. The first 2 or 3 steps Becky still was tense, grunching her teeth but with the red mare right by her side she soon relaxed, even more so since Amy was completely calm and seemed to enjoy herself and tried to look good while photos were being taken by local newspapers and, of course, some of the staff of Tannicht. 'Smile', was the only thing running through the mind of the blonde girl as they were trotting forth and back. 'You want to look good for the cameras.'

'What a nice Autumn Day it is' thought Luisa as she patted the big grey Stallion on the Neck.The Show Ground was crowded, to say the least, there was a satisfying mix of excitement and festivity in the Air, a few prepare their horse's other watch the Event and shows, you could hear the resounding clip-clop of hooves in the distance or some foals squeaking after their Mothers. "Where is she?" mumbled Luisa to Marzipan while taking a look at her watch."It's almost time for your start" said the pink-haired girl while adjusting Marzipans Bridle. But the silence didn't last long when Amelie came rushing around the corner completely out of breath."What took you so long? I was waiting all the time!" barked Luisa. "Hah ...sorry " coughed Amelie out, and were resting her hands on her knees. "But... have you seen all those beautiful Horses? And that guy with the grey foal? I think it was Greyboy ... Greyjoy or something like this" wondered the red-haired girl " But doesn't matter that Handler was smoking hot! " with a laugh gave Luisa, Amelie the reins and wheezed out " I think he is way too old for you" And disappeared in the mass of horses and riders."Too old for you " mocked Amelie and led Marzipan to the Showgrounds.

The night before the show, Gal refused to stand still to have her mane plaited. There were three trampled toes and one rope burned hand but eventually her silver mane was tamed. Stellan watched her in the overnight stall for a while, paranoid that she'd immediately rub them all out somehow. Gal however only showed interest in her dinner and napping, and Stellan eventually tore himself away. The next morning he was greeted by a four-legged ball of wood shavings - a noticeably unplaited one. Four a solid thirty seconds, Stellan stared blankly at the mare. Then swore.